An increasing number of enthusiasts are embracing DIY bracelet making and hand-tying knots. In reality, knotting is not difficult—the primary requirement is patience. Complex-sounding knots like the Diamond Knot, Dragon Scale Knot, Eight-Strand Braid, and Snake Knot ultimately involve focused, repetitive looping motions.
After mastering basic techniques, learners can explore seamless knot combinations and sophisticated color palettes to advance their skills. This guide provides a structured tutorial series on bracelet, string, and Tibetan collarbone necklace knotting, divided into three parts for progressive learning. 01. Cord Burning Techniques The first challenge in knotting is burning cord ends to thread beads with finer, stiffer strings. Beginners often struggle with burning or twisting cords, risking burns. These pain-free methods can prevent injuries: – Single Cord Method 1: Use the inner flame (blue, lower temperature) to melt the cord’s midsection. Gently stretch the melted portion, wait 3 seconds, and trim the end. – Single Cord Method 2: Similar to Method 1, burn the cord tip and stretch it with lighter assistance. Trim after hardening. – Double Cord Method: For narrow bead holes, burn one cord and attach the second beneath it. Use the less-sensitive lower fingertip area when twisting. – Non-Black Sintering: After knotting, leave 2mm of cord, slowly approach it with the blue flame to melt it transparently, then press to adhere. 02. Buddha Head Stringing (Three-Way Knot) As a crucial component of bracelets, the three-way knot often challenges crafters. Small-hole variants are manageable with proper techniques: – Method 1: Fold a steel wire, insert it into the hole. Burn and thread the cord through the wire loop, then pull. Trim and melt ends for smooth adhesion. – Method 2: For thick cords in small holes, apply the thin-cord transition method by attaching a finer string.03 Transition Knots
The Diamond Knot is a highly versatile knot, suitable for both the sangwan of bracelets and Tibetan collarbone necklaces, including side-hanging decorations. It is an essential knot for beginners in rope braiding. Step-by-step: 1. With two parallel lines, take the lower line and wrap it around the upper line to form a loop, pinching it tightly between your thumb and index finger. 2. Pass the upper line over the index finger and through the loop, then pinch it with your thumb and index finger and tighten the lower line. 3. Rotate the newly formed knot halfway upward, continue passing the upper line over the index finger and thread it through the loop, then tighten the lower line to complete one full Diamond Knot. Repeat these steps until the desired length is achieved, then tighten both lines to finish. The Snake Knot may appear similar to the Diamond Knot but is looser and more elastic, making it prone to deformation. The Diamond Knot retains its shape better and is ideal for entire bracelets, while the Snake Knot is typically used at clasp connections, between beads, or between the sangwan and beiyun. Step-by-step: 1. Pass the left rope under the right rope and loop it upward, securing the loop with your thumb. 2. Place the right rope over the left rope and pass it underneath, then thread it up through the loop and tighten. Pull both sides slowly together during tightening to prevent deformation. Repeat these two steps until the desired length is reached. 04 Finishing Knots For those who prefer a minimalist style without disciple beads overshadowing the bracelet, finishing with knots can enhance the beads’ beauty. Phoenix Tail Knot: Loop to the left, thread forward through the loop, then loop the right line similarly forward. Repeat these steps until the desired length. Always thread from the back to the front; a slightly longer Phoenix Tail Knot generally looks better. After threading, tighten and adjust. Double Overhand Knot: Coil the rope in the same direction until the desired length. Thread the rope through the coil, adjust the loops, tighten, trim the ends, and fuse. Three-Strand Braid: Loop the rope to the left, then pass it from front to back and pull left. Twist the right loop to the left, pass the rope from front to back again, and repeat. Adjust after braiding, trim, and fuse to complete. Dragonfly Knot: Loop the rope backward to form a small ear, ensuring it is tight. Lift the other line, twist it right to form a loop, pass it behind the small ear, then through the front of the lower loop. Adjust the coils, trim, and fuse. Pipa Knot: Loop the rope to the left (not too large), then continue coiling within the loop from left to right and back to front. Repeat these actions. Finally, thread the line through the central small hole, adjust and tighten, then trim and fuse.Pumpkin Knot: Form a small loop to the left, then wrap the cord upward. For thicker cords, extend the wrapping length slightly. Thread the cord through the bottom loop, tighten and adjust, then trim and seal the end.
Barrel Knot: Create a loop to the left, then repeatedly coil the cord along the left strand. Continue until the desired length is achieved, tighten and adjust, then seal the end to finish.